Refugee
11-28-2007, 05:36 PM
Our very own echosoftom is one of the wonderful NICU nurses this article is about.
The Folsom couple never forgot them or their parents.
About a year after their twins were born, Tim, a sales manager, got a big bonus, and he and his wife decided it was time to "give something back," he says.
After first exploring the possibility of starting a nonprofit corporation, the Purkises decided to contact Mercy with their idea for starting a fund for NICU families. Mercy liked the idea, and agreed to take charge of locating parents, assessing their needs and handling other administrative duties.
All parents who have a baby in the unit for more than three days get Friends of NICU "care packages" that include small gifts like water bottles, snacks, journals and candy. Those who have to stay longer are eligible for everything from $50 gas cards to supermarket vouchers to funding for hotel stays.
"We've got the flexibility with this fund to provide things that families really need when they're here," says Alison Sadler, chief administrative officer for Mercy Foundation. "Every penny of this money goes directly to families. Elanie and Tim's hard work and passion have made it all possible."
The program has made an important difference in the lives of parents who often are overwhelmed by their circumstances, says Gigi Norman, a clinical social worker in the NICU.
"Emotionally, it's a very difficult time for these families," she says. "They're under extreme stress with tiny, sick babies. They're worried about how they're going to pay their bills and buy supplies. Then they're burdened with transportation costs."
Because of the importance of early bonding, Norman says, it's critical for parents to visit their babies every day. Some families find themselves spending $100 a week or more for gas and food to make the trips. "Elanie and Tim have helped bridge that gap for these parents," Norman says.
Elanie Purkis, who quit her administrative assistant's job after the birth of the twins, says Friends of NICU has added a new dimension to her life.
"I love spending my free time on this," she says.
Others have pitched in, too, including Tim's mother, Kasey, who sews baby blankets for preemies. His father, Len, donated five rocking chairs to the Mercy San Juan unit. Relatives and friends have contributed funds and offered to work as volunteers at fundraising events.
Soon, the Purkises hope to bring Friends of NICU to other area hospitals, including Methodist in Sacramento.
In the meantime, they are raising three rambunctious boys. Kevin, a preschooler, is a protective big brother to Ryan and Matthew, who are 18 months old. Ryan has a chronic lung condition and is 4 pounds lighter than his twin, and both boys need speech therapy. Other than that, they are happy and active "little daredevils," their mother says.
Recently, Elanie Purkis traveled again to the place where her younger boys once fought for their lives, this time to deliver a stroller to a mother in need. As always, she thought about the long days and nights that she and her family spent in the NICU, and the days and nights that will define the lives of so many others in the future.
"We try not to dwell on the fact that we could have lost Matty and Ryan," Tim Purkis says of his twins. "But when we do think about it, we feel very lucky to have them. We're happy to be able to give something back."
Friends of NICU is hosting its first fundraiser, a viewing of the movie "Polar Express" on Dec. 6 at the Esquire Imax Theatre in downtown Sacramento. Tickets are $15 and include popcorn and a soft drink. For more information on the organization or the event:
www.friendsofnicu.com (http://www.friendsofnicu.com/) or (916) 983-6196.
Even if you cannot attend the movie, please donate to this worthy cause.
http://www.sacbee.com/adrenaline/story/440157-p2.html
The Folsom couple never forgot them or their parents.
About a year after their twins were born, Tim, a sales manager, got a big bonus, and he and his wife decided it was time to "give something back," he says.
After first exploring the possibility of starting a nonprofit corporation, the Purkises decided to contact Mercy with their idea for starting a fund for NICU families. Mercy liked the idea, and agreed to take charge of locating parents, assessing their needs and handling other administrative duties.
All parents who have a baby in the unit for more than three days get Friends of NICU "care packages" that include small gifts like water bottles, snacks, journals and candy. Those who have to stay longer are eligible for everything from $50 gas cards to supermarket vouchers to funding for hotel stays.
"We've got the flexibility with this fund to provide things that families really need when they're here," says Alison Sadler, chief administrative officer for Mercy Foundation. "Every penny of this money goes directly to families. Elanie and Tim's hard work and passion have made it all possible."
The program has made an important difference in the lives of parents who often are overwhelmed by their circumstances, says Gigi Norman, a clinical social worker in the NICU.
"Emotionally, it's a very difficult time for these families," she says. "They're under extreme stress with tiny, sick babies. They're worried about how they're going to pay their bills and buy supplies. Then they're burdened with transportation costs."
Because of the importance of early bonding, Norman says, it's critical for parents to visit their babies every day. Some families find themselves spending $100 a week or more for gas and food to make the trips. "Elanie and Tim have helped bridge that gap for these parents," Norman says.
Elanie Purkis, who quit her administrative assistant's job after the birth of the twins, says Friends of NICU has added a new dimension to her life.
"I love spending my free time on this," she says.
Others have pitched in, too, including Tim's mother, Kasey, who sews baby blankets for preemies. His father, Len, donated five rocking chairs to the Mercy San Juan unit. Relatives and friends have contributed funds and offered to work as volunteers at fundraising events.
Soon, the Purkises hope to bring Friends of NICU to other area hospitals, including Methodist in Sacramento.
In the meantime, they are raising three rambunctious boys. Kevin, a preschooler, is a protective big brother to Ryan and Matthew, who are 18 months old. Ryan has a chronic lung condition and is 4 pounds lighter than his twin, and both boys need speech therapy. Other than that, they are happy and active "little daredevils," their mother says.
Recently, Elanie Purkis traveled again to the place where her younger boys once fought for their lives, this time to deliver a stroller to a mother in need. As always, she thought about the long days and nights that she and her family spent in the NICU, and the days and nights that will define the lives of so many others in the future.
"We try not to dwell on the fact that we could have lost Matty and Ryan," Tim Purkis says of his twins. "But when we do think about it, we feel very lucky to have them. We're happy to be able to give something back."
Friends of NICU is hosting its first fundraiser, a viewing of the movie "Polar Express" on Dec. 6 at the Esquire Imax Theatre in downtown Sacramento. Tickets are $15 and include popcorn and a soft drink. For more information on the organization or the event:
www.friendsofnicu.com (http://www.friendsofnicu.com/) or (916) 983-6196.
Even if you cannot attend the movie, please donate to this worthy cause.
http://www.sacbee.com/adrenaline/story/440157-p2.html